Can a GM Harmonic Balancer be fixed?

Mike, My opinion is "no", they cannot be repaired to fix the parts together and have the same mechanical properties that the original units had.

I checked Autozone, and found some models for the 3.3 Ciera engine at $166 or less. Of course, a junkyard part could last a long time.

If it's just lost a bond and isn't otherwise damaged, I'm sure Locktite or 3M has an adhesive that will work. Should be able to find on their sites based on the materials to be bonded. Some really good specialty stuff in their lines.

I would hope you could find one from the wrecker for a whole lot less. A quick search on an auto salvage site in my area (Dallas, TX) shows several for $45 (US).

no, cant be fixed. Did you try Dorman?

Made in China, but will probably last longer than the ones from GM, especially the used ones from the salvage yard.

Nope. Any type of repair without getting the weight EXACTLY correct will damage the engine.

It's not just the weight distribution. There's an elastomer (rubber or plastic) between the hub and the damper. Any adhesive or fasteners will keep the ring from moving, and from damping the torsional oscillations that it's meant to reduce. Once the bond is broken between the hub and the damper ring, throw the assembly away and get another one.

Thanks for all the opinions and links for new ones folks.

Don't really want to go used because of the age needed.

The car is worth fixing, Napa 'Canada' has one for $192.00, need to look around a bit more and see what US shipping will run because they seem cheaper down there despite the dollar difference. We are still getting creamed here when comparing prices. Most places still think they need to mark up USA stuff by 40% even though our dollar is higher.

Mike

Mike Roma> I could use a few opinions here.

Parts like that tend to stay the same for a long time. The salvage yard should have the reference to what model years are the same. I would not be surprised if it was something like '90-'06.

Ouch eh?

Advance has a new Dorman balancer for $117.99, part # is 594044. New is the only way to go since the 3.3 balancer only fits, well the 3.3 and GM dropped these engines for 1993. Car Quest also sells Dorman so you should be able to find it north of the border. Good luck!

Bush

....and Dorman is now 'Made in China" Good Luck!

Care to look where that new LCD tv is made? HTFC as long as it's made to US specifactions.

Bush

And you find out whether the harmonic balancer is made to US specs how...? By spending all that money and mounting it on your engine, and if it doesn't fly apart, destroy your engine and put massive holes in your fenders, it was okay?

"H" indeed.

The chances of that happening are almost non existent:

GM has theirs made in China too, so does NAPA.

You'd be hard pressed to find anything made in America for at least another five years.

The French AKA as Renault are building a factory in the USA, The Companies from India are looking to build here, and so is Fiat.

The dollar is so far devalued, that it is attractive to have the Made >> Care to look where that new LCD tv is made? HTFC as long as it's made

Probably won't last a week of you use Dorman made in China crap. Even their fluid filler tops don't stay on!

Plenty made in Korea or Malaysia. No need to stoop to the made-in-China brands... yet.

Suit yourself. I avoid anything that says "made in China" if there is an alternative made elsewhere. ANYWHERE else. Been burned too many times. Sure, there are many things made in China that are actually quite good (compact flourescent lamps come to mind) but overall the variability is HUGE. And replacement automotive parts are some of the worst things I've seen coming out of there.